Is it really free? No hidden charges?

100% free. No in-app purchases, no subscriptions, no forced ads. Play immediately from the shared question bank — no setup needed. Optional extras stay optional: watch a rewarded ad only if you want +5 coins, and add your own free Gemini API key only if you want unlimited AI-generated questions.

What is a Gemini API key and do I need one?

You don't need one — the shared question bank works without it. A Gemini key is a free key from Google AI Studio that unlocks unlimited freshly generated AI questions tuned to your exam and branch. Takes 2 minutes, no billing: aistudio.google.com → Get API Key → Create → copy and paste.

Should I install from Google Play or the APK?

Use the APK for now — it's the fastest route and installs in 30 seconds after enabling 'Install unknown apps'. Aspirant Arcade is still in Google Play closed testing, so the Play listing only opens for enrolled testers. If you'd rather install from Play, request early access on the download page and we'll walk you through the two taps Google needs. Don't want to install anything? The web version runs straight in your browser.

Which engineering branches are supported?

Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, Computer Science/IT, Electronics, Metallurgy, Mining and Petroleum. Questions generated specifically for your branch — not generic.

Will questions repeat across sessions?

No. The app tracks every question you've seen and tells Gemini to avoid them. Every session has fresh questions.

Does it work offline?

Partially. Bookmarked questions and insights are available offline. AI question generation needs internet to call the Gemini API.

Yes. Stored locally on your device using encrypted secure storage. Never sent to any server — not ours, not anyone's.

Which engineering exams are covered?

GATE, IES/ESE and PSU recruitment exams — HPCL, Coal India, BHEL, ONGC, NTPC, SAIL, IOCL, GAIL, BPCL and more. Interview Simulator available for exams with GD/PI rounds like HPCL, BHEL and IES.

Is Aspirant Arcade only for engineering exam aspirants?

No — engineering (GATE, IES, PSU) is one of five categories. It also covers entrance exams (JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET, CUET, BITSAT), govt exams (SSC, Banking, Police), college degrees (BCA, MCA, MBBS, Nursing, B.Pharm and more) and CBSE Class 9–12 boards. Pick your category on the home screen.

Does Aspirant Arcade cover SSC, Banking and Police exams?

Yes. SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD Constable and CPO, IBPS PO/Clerk, SBI PO/Clerk, UP Police Constable and Delhi Police Constable are all covered with free, section-wise gamified MCQ practice matching each exam's real syllabus, question count and marking scheme.

Is Aspirant Arcade a replacement for Testbook, Adda247, Physics Wallah or Unacademy?

No — it's a free companion, not a competitor. Platforms like Testbook, Adda247, Physics Wallah and Unacademy give you structured courses, live classes and full-length mocks. Aspirant Arcade adds a gamified practice layer on top: streaks, survival rounds, multiplayer challenges and AI interview drills that turn idle scroll time into extra MCQ reps between coaching sessions.

Which college degree exams are supported?

BCA, MCA, MBBS, BMLT/BMLS, BMRIT, BPT (Physiotherapy), B.Sc Nursing and B.Pharm — free subject-wise core practice authored from each degree's real university curriculum, with shared foundational subjects (like Anatomy and Physiology) reused across the medical degrees at the right difficulty band.

Do I need a Gemini API key to play?

No. You can play immediately from our shared question bank — no key or signup required. Adding a free Gemini key (Google AI Studio, 2 minutes, no billing) unlocks unlimited freshly generated questions every session.

How do coins and multiplayer challenges work?

You start with 100 coins, earn +50 per referral, and can watch an optional rewarded ad for +5. Spend 2 coins to unlock a question hint. For multiplayer, create a Synced Challenge lobby, share the invite code with up to 10 friends, and compete under a synchronized 5-minute timer for ranked trophy scorecards.

Focus Mode is an Android-only feature that catches you on Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts and makes you clear a few MCQs from your branch and syllabus before you can keep scrolling. You set the scroll limit and how many questions, and you can turn it off anytime. It turns doom-scrolling into drip-fed revision without quitting the app.

Does Focus Mode read my messages or spy on me?

No. It only checks which app is open and the screen name (Reels or Shorts) — like a sign on a door, not what's inside the room. It never reads your DMs, captions, comments or the videos themselves, and nothing leaves your phone. Questions are cached locally on your device.

Is the SBI PO Prelims 2026 exam entirely online?

Yes, the preliminary examination is an objective online test conducted through a computer-based format.

What is the penalty for incorrect answers in SBI PO Prelims 2026?

For every incorrect response in the Prelims exam, one-fourth (0.25) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.

Can I leave the exam hall early if I finish my paper before the composite duration ends?

No, candidates are strictly not permitted to leave the examination hall before the shift concludes, even if they finish early, without the invigilator's explicit permission.

Are smartwatches or other electronic gadgets allowed inside the SBI PO Prelims exam centre?

No, mobile phones, smartwatches, fitness bands, calculators, Bluetooth devices, earphones, pen drives, and any other electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall, even if switched off.

SBI PO Prelims 2026: Shift Timings, Reporting, Exam Day Essentials

What's Official: SBI PO Prelims 2026 Dates & Vacancies

The State Bank of India is set to conduct the SBI PO Prelims 2026 on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, 2026. This examination is a crucial step towards recruiting 1,500 Probationary Officers across the country. Aspirants must carefully verify their allotted date, shift, and examination centre address printed on their admit card to avoid any last-minute confusion.

The preliminary examination serves as the initial screening stage, designed to shortlist candidates for the subsequent Mains examination. Understanding all official details well in advance is paramount for a stress-free exam experience.

Your SBI PO Prelims 2026 Shift Timings & Reporting Details

One of the most common pitfalls candidates face is mismanaging their reporting time. The entry gates for the SBI PO Prelims 2026 close strictly at the reporting time mentioned on your call letter. No late entry will be permitted under any circumstance, and no relaxation will be granted for traffic delays, transport disruption, or centre confusion. Plan your travel meticulously, especially if your centre is in a different city or a metro location, as early morning shifts leave minimal margin for error.

Here are the detailed shift timings and corresponding reporting times:

Tip

For Shift 1 candidates, especially those with centres in different cities, planning travel a night in advance is highly advisable to ensure timely arrival and avoid the morning rush.

SBI PO Prelims 2026 Shift Timings And Reporting Time

▸Shift 1 - Reporting Time: 8:00 AM - Exam Time: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
▸Shift 2 - Reporting Time: 10:30 AM - Exam Time: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
▸Shift 3 - Reporting Time: 1:00 PM - Exam Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
▸Shift 4 - Reporting Time: 3:30 PM - Exam Time: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Essential Documents for SBI PO Prelims 2026

Strict adherence to the document requirements is non-negotiable. Candidates will not be allowed inside the examination hall without the prescribed documents. Ensure you have the following ready well before exam day:

It is crucial that the name printed on your photo identity proof exactly matches the name on your admit card. If your name has changed due to marriage or by affidavit, you must carry supporting documentation such as your marriage certificate or a gazette notification. Failing to provide these documents could result in you being turned away at verification.

Tip

Always keep all required documents in a transparent folder a day before the exam to avoid last-minute panic.

Documents To Carry To The Exam Centre

▸A clear printed copy of the SBI PO Prelims 2026 admit card or call letter.
▸An original valid photo identity proof such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence. Photocopies alone will not be accepted.
▸Recent passport-size photographs, preferably matching the one uploaded during your registration.
▸A photocopy of the same ID proof, specifically if it is mentioned as required in your call letter.

Crucial SBI PO Prelims 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

Beyond documents and timings, your conduct and adherence to guidelines inside the centre are critical. Familiarise yourself with these rules to ensure a smooth examination process:

A serious warning: possession of any banned item, even if it is switched off, can lead to immediate cancellation of your candidature and may result in debarment from future SBI recruitment examinations. Do not take any chances.

Exam Day Guidelines To Follow

▸Reach the exam centre well before the reporting time mentioned on your call letter.
▸Carry only the permitted documents and necessary stationery (usually a pen).
▸Occupy only the seat and system allotted against your roll number.
▸Follow every instruction issued by the invigilator and the centre supervisor diligently.
▸Mobile phones, smartwatches, fitness bands, calculators, Bluetooth devices, earphones, pen drives, and any other electronic gadget are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall.
▸Books, notes, loose sheets, printed material, and rough paper brought from outside are not allowed.
▸Read the on-screen instructions carefully before starting the exam and complete biometric and photograph capture formalities on time.
▸Do not leave the examination hall before the shift concludes without the invigilator's explicit permission.

SBI PO Prelims 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

The SBI PO Prelims is an objective online test, carrying a total of 100 marks. Candidates are allotted a composite duration of one hour to complete the examination. The paper is divided into three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Each section has its own specific time limit, which candidates must adhere to.

There is a negative marking scheme in place: for every incorrect answer, one-fourth (0.25) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. It is crucial to attempt questions with accuracy to avoid penalties. Remember, the Prelims is a qualifying stage; the marks scored here are not carried forward to the final merit list. Your goal is to clear the section-wise and overall cut-off to progress to the Mains examination.

Mastering the SBI PO Prelims: Section-wise Priority Breakdown

While all three sections—English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability—are critical due to sectional cut-offs, strategic prioritization can significantly boost your overall score. Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude typically carry more weight and are often more time-consuming. Focus heavily on these two sections, ensuring a strong grasp of fundamentals and consistent practice in problem-solving.

For Reasoning, master topics like puzzles, seating arrangements, syllogism, and inequalities. In Quantitative Aptitude, emphasis should be on data interpretation, simplification/approximation, number series, and arithmetic topics like profit & loss, time & work. English Language requires precision; work on reading comprehension, cloze test, and error spotting. Consistent practice on Aspirant Arcade will help you drill these topic-priority lists, identify your personal strengths and weaknesses, and optimize your time allocation per section during the actual exam.

Tip

Due to sectional timing, never spend too much time on a single question. Learn to identify and skip difficult questions efficiently.

Your 30-Day Preparation Roadmap for SBI PO Prelims 2026

With the exam dates nearing, a structured 30-day plan is indispensable. This roadmap is designed to ensure comprehensive coverage and optimal performance:

Weekly Preparation Strategy

▸Week 1: Build Fundamentals & Concepts - Dedicate this week to thoroughly revisiting the core concepts of English, Quant, and Reasoning. Solve basic level questions to solidify your understanding. Focus on accuracy over speed.
▸Week 2: Topic-wise Practice & Speed Building - Apply your foundational knowledge to solve a variety of topic-specific questions. Target your weak areas identified in Week 1. Begin practicing under timed conditions to improve speed and efficiency.
▸Week 3: Full-Length Mock Tests & Analysis - Take at least 2-3 full-length mock tests. Crucially, spend equal time analyzing your performance: review incorrect answers, identify areas for improvement, and refine your time management strategy for each section.
▸Week 4: Revision & Strategy Refinement - Focus on quick revision of important formulas, concepts, and common error types. Take one final mock test to gauge your readiness and fine-tune your exam strategy. Prioritise mental well-being and stress management.

SBI PO Prelims Cutoff Trends: What to Expect

The SBI PO Prelims is highly competitive, and cut-off scores can fluctuate based on factors like the number of vacancies, the difficulty level of the examination, and the total number of candidates appearing. While past cut-off trends can offer an *estimated* directional idea, aspirants should not rely solely on them. Instead, aim to maximize your attempts with the highest possible accuracy across all sections.

Since the Prelims is a qualifying stage, your primary objective is to clear both the sectional and overall cut-offs comfortably. Focus on building a robust preparation that allows you to confidently answer enough questions to surpass any expected threshold. High scores here demonstrate your capability to tackle the Mains, which is where the real competition for merit begins.

Beyond Prelims: The Road Ahead

Successfully clearing the SBI PO Prelims is just the first step. Shortlisted candidates will proceed to the SBI PO Mains examination, which includes both objective and descriptive components. Candidates who clear the Mains will then move to the psychometric test, group exercise, and interview rounds. The final selection for the prestigious Probationary Officer post is based on the combined scores from the Mains examination and the subsequent selection rounds.